Omaha zoo names new president and CEO | Local News | omaha.com - Omaha World-Herald
Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium has named Dr. Luis Padilla as its next president and CEO.
Padilla, who turns 48 on Monday, will replace Dennis Pate after Pate retires later this year. Padilla's first day at the Omaha zoo will be Nov. 14.
Padilla
Padilla currently serves as the vice president of animal collections for the Saint Louis Zoo. In that role, he oversees animal collection, facilities and animal care teams. He previously served as director of animal health at the Saint Louis Zoo.
He also serves as an accreditation commissioner for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Padilla received a doctorate in veterinary medicine from Cornell University. He is a board-certified zoo veterinarian under the American College of Zoological Medicine.
In a press release, Padilla said he's excited and humbled to lead the Omaha zoo and its team.
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"To lead this organization, and to inspire, educate and engage in impactful conservation efforts, is the pinnacle of professional achievement. A visit to Omaha's Zoo and Aquarium is a transformational experience that connects people to animals and wild places. It is special to make that happen through innovation, creativity and science," he said.
Padilla previously served in veterinary and supervisory roles at the Saint Louis Zoo, the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, the Smithsonian National Zoological Park and the Oklahoma City Zoo.
Dwight Scott, the president and CEO of the Saint Louis Zoo, said Omaha "landed one of the best" on the Saint Louis Zoo's Facebook page.
"Luis and I have known each other and worked together for nearly 20 years," Scott said. "While I'm sad to see him leave Saint Louis, I'm excited for this new opportunity for him. I'm confident that he'll do amazing things in Omaha with the team there."
It was a challenge finding someone to "build on the legacy" of Pate, said Mogens Bay, chair of the board of directors for the Omaha Zoological Society. But Bay said they're confident in Padilla's abilities.
Padilla was chosen after an extensive and thorough process by a search committee, Bay said.
Padilla said he's looking forward to working with Pate on a "smooth leadership transition."
Pate announced his retirement in late February. He has headed the Omaha zoo since 2009.
Dennis Pate
During his time at the zoo, Pate undertook a 10-year master plan that resulted in improved guest services and state-of-the-art exhibits, including the Scott African Grasslands, Asian Highlands, Bay Family Children's Adventure Trails and Owen Sea Lion Shores, among other attractions.
He was instrumental in bringing elephants back to the zoo, resulting in the zoo's first African elephant births in its 127-year history.
Photos: 50 of our favorite shots of Omaha zoo creatures through the years
The Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium introduced a week-old female giraffe on March 23, 2012. The calf was the first born at Omaha's zoo since 2007 but the 29th overall since 1979. Giraffe calves are usually 6 feet tall and 150 pounds at birth. Within an hour of birth, calves are usually up and nursing.
A vampire bat is seen at the Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium on Oct. 29, 2013. The zoo teamed up with Iowa State University to find the best food for vampire bats, which each need about 2 tablespoons of blood a day.
An African lion rests at the Henry Doorly Zoo on a hot summer day in July 1971.
Five baby rockhopper penguin chicks were on display at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium on Jan. 14, 2014.
An emperor angelfish swims at the redesigned and newly renovated Scott Aquarium at the Henry Doorly Zoo on March 26, 2012.
Twin white-handed gibbons sit in their mother's lap on June 10, 2011, in the Henry Doorly Zoo's Lied Jungle. The rare twins were born on April 13, 2011.
Nicole Linafelter feeds a sleepy African lion cub at the Henry Doorly Zoo on Jan. 4, 2012. The runt of the litter, the cub had been removed from her mother's care, and Linafelter, a veterinary technician, was one of the people caring for the then-week-old cub.
Little Joe, a 450-pound lion, is seen on Aug. 9, 1950. Sold to Omaha Parks and Recreation by Council Bluffs pound master Chris Christensen, Little Joe didn't like his cage. He lunged at passersby, sweeping his paw at the shadows of onlookers.